Hadith #2701

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Wisdom is the lost property of every believer, so take it even if it be from the mouths of hypocrites.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge, regardless of its source. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "hikmah" in Arabic refers to wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. It encompasses the ability to discern the truth, make sound judgments, and act in accordance with divine guidance. It is a quality that every believer should strive to acquire, as it leads to righteousness and success in both this world and the hereafter.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages the pursuit of wisdom in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:286)

And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful

This verse highlights the importance of intellect and understanding bestowed upon us by Allah, which enables us to seek wisdom and knowledge.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar, Allah states, (39:9)

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and understanding and those who do not. It implies that true believers should actively seek knowledge and wisdom to attain a higher level of consciousness and remembrance of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges Muslims to acquire wisdom from any source, even if it comes from the mouths of hypocrites. This does not mean that we should blindly accept everything hypocrites say, but rather, it encourages us to extract wisdom from their words, separating the truth from falsehood.

In Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Allah says, (60:8)

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly

This verse teaches us that even though hypocrites may have ulterior motives, we should still treat them with righteousness and justice. It is in this context that we can extract wisdom from their words, as long as it aligns with the teachings of Islam.

The motivation behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement is to emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom from all available sources. It is a reminder that wisdom is not limited to a specific group or individual, but rather, it is a universal treasure that can be found in unexpected places.

The consequences of following this Hadith are manifold. By seeking wisdom from various sources, we broaden our understanding and gain a more comprehensive perspective. This enables us to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and discernment. Additionally, it fosters unity among Muslims, as we recognize the value of knowledge regardless of its origin.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be like Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He was a beacon of guidance for the Muslim community, and his teachings continue to inspire and enlighten us today. Let us follow in his footsteps by seeking wisdom from all sources, while always keeping the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt as our ultimate guide.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge from all available sources. It encourages us to extract wisdom even from the mouths of hypocrites, as long as it aligns with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we broaden our understanding, make informed decisions, and foster unity among Muslims. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the ability to discern the truth.